Surprise! (Not.) Kraken Prospect Firkus Wins WHL Bobby Clarke Award
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In the least surprising news out of the Western Hockey League this season, Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus has officially been named winner of the Bob Clarke Trophy.
The award, named after the Philadelphia Flyers Hall-of-Famer, goes to the WHL player who scored the most points in the just-completed season.
Other recent winners of the Clarke will be familiar. Last year’s recipient was a guy now with the Blackhawks named Connor Bedard, expected to be this season’s NHL rookie of the year. Taking home the trophy in 2015 was Kraken All-Star Oliver Bjorkstrand, then of the Portland Winterhawks.
Firkus’ 126 points for the Moose Jaw Warriors not only topped his league, but all of major junior hockey (known collectively as the CHL).
The Kraken made Firkus a 2nd round pick in 2022. After being drafted, the now 20-year-old nicknamed “Firkus Circus” put up 40 goals for the Warriors. He blew past that impressive total this season with 61 goals in 63 games.
From a WHL press release: “The Irma, Alta. product tied for second in the league with 10 game-winning goals. Firkus registered more games where he scored a hat trick (six) than games where he was held off the scoresheet (four).
“The Seattle Kraken prospect also went on an astounding run that saw him tally 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points in 26 straight games, marking the WHL’s longest point streak this season.”
Like Energizer Bunny, Firkus Is Still Going
Firkus has remained red-hot in the 2024 WHL playoffs. To date, he’s scored 12 goals and 27 points in 16 postseason games.
Speaking of which, Moose Jaw will face the Winterhawks for the WHL championship.
Portland advanced by virtue of a 2-1 double overtime victory in Game 6, eliminating the Prince George Cougars. The next night, Moose Jaw also went to double OT to oust the Saskatoon Blades 3-2 in a decisive Game 7.
The Winterhawks boast their own Seattle prospect. Defenseman Tyson Jugnauth was selected in the 4th round of the same 2022 draft as Firkus.
Although it’s silly to judge defensemen by offensive statistics, here they are. In the regular season, Jugnauth scored seven goals and 41 points in 41 games. The 20-year-old from Kelowna, BC added four goals and 15 points in 14 playoff games so far.
WHL Championship Schedule
Game 1: May 10 at Portland
Game 2: May 11 at Portland
Game 3: May 14 at Moose Jaw
Game 4: May 15 at Moose Jaw
Game 5: May 17 at Moose Jaw*
Game 6: May 19 at Portland*
Game 7: May 20 at Portland*
* If Necessary